How to Write a Letter of Invitation for a Visa

It is very common that our relatives and friends decide to come to visit us in Canada, to simply spend some time with us or even to study. But when the time comes to file the Canadian visa application, the hosts ask themselves how to write a letter of invitation for a visa that fulfills all the requirements so their relatives’ application is approved.

Something to take into consideration is that when dealing with immigration matters in Canada, it is always required to show evidence of what one is saying; for example if someone says that is working for certain company earning certain amount of money, that person must gather documentation of evidence of those statements. If the letter is notarized it will also be a stronger element to be considered when processing the application, because it is declared under oath to be true; therefore the bona fide of the host is confirmed.

Among the basic requirements of an invitation letter are:

• General information of the person who is issuing the letter: name, address, occupation, salary, (optional: only if it is required to show that the host has enough income to support the intended stay of the person being invited);
• Relation with the person being invited (if it is only a friend, you must mention since when you know each other, etc.);
• General information of the person being invited: name, address his/her country of origin, occupation, purpose of travel and intended period of stay in Canada.
• If the host works full-time, depending on each case, it is recommended to specify the arrangements that have been set to have the time off to be with and take care of the visitor during the intended stay in Canada, for example taking vacation, etc.
• Mention if the invited person will stay at the same address of the host, and determine the expenses that the host will cover during the intended stay, for example, accommodation in general, including transportation and visits, or only food and lodging and local transportation expenses, etc.
• If the person who is coming to Canada is a bona fide visitor, it can be mentioned that there is no intention to stay for longer that the authorized period of stay, and specify the reasons that the invited person has to go back to his/her country of origin.

It is recommended to attach supporting documentation, such as an official ID, evidence of status in Canada. I always recommend to include the last Tax Return, and if possible, a letter from the employer and paystubs.

In some specific cases, the content of the letter can vary, if you require assistance with your Canadian visa application, or if you simply need help on writing an invitation letter that contains all the specific information of your particular case, please contact us.